South Australia PCH
Overview
The RACP Paediatric Training Program in South Australia is run by a state-wide network. The network is made up of supervisors who represent each of the hospitals offering Paediatric Training, including:
- Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
- Lyell McEwin Hospital
- Flinders Medical Centre
The Basic Physician training (BPT) in Paediatric and Child Health (PCH) program is 3 years, and rotations occur through:
- general paediatrics
- neonatology
- paediatric emergency
- medical sub-specialties.
BPT is the first step in a minimum 6-year training program with the RACP to become a physician. During BPT in PCH, you:
- experience working in diverse medical specialties within PCH
- complete training rotations with a range of hospitals and health services
- build on the clinical knowledge and skills gained during your medical degree to develop the professional qualities, attitudes and behaviours you need to become a competent physician.
Once in the SA BPT in PCH program, you can apply for a secondment in BPT within the Northern Territory program.
Recruitment campaign
Recruitment and allocation of Resident Medical Officer (RMO) positions (Postgraduate Year 2 and above) in South Australia occurs on an annual basis. It is a centralised process administered by the South Australian Medical Education and Training (SA MET) Unit on behalf of the South Australian Department of Health and South Australian Local Health Networks (LHNs).
SA MET isn’t the employing body and doesn’t provide employment contracts. Contracts are provided by the relevant hospitals/networks.
The network panel negotiates site allocations of successful candidates by considering their training and the hospital’s service needs.
Completing the BPT program in PCH
Once you complete Basic Training, you’re eligible to apply for an Advanced Training position in a PCH specialty.
After completing both Basic and Advanced Training, you’ll be eligible to register to practice as a specialist physician in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for the basic training program, you must hold general registration with the Medical Board of Australia and be eligible for registration with RACP.
Apply
Applicants need to provide a CV, cover letter and referees.
Applications for RMO positions in SA must be completed online via SA Health careers.
Applications for 1st Year entry into RACP Paediatric Training are considered for the Women’s and Children’s Health Network.
Selection
Heads of General Medicine and directors of physician education (DPEs) will represent each LHN on the state-wide selection panel.
If you are shortlisted for interview, you need to demonstrate:
- why you would like the training position
- why you have applied specifically for BPT
- what challenges training may present to you
- how this position contributing to your future career goals.
The interview gives you the opportunity to prove you have:
- the ability to tackle clinical, ethical, and professional challenges relevant to the role of a first-year basic physician trainee
- relevant knowledge of SA Health, local health services, community, and public health systems
- maturity and ability to reflect on their own practice and learning
- a well-rounded approach to their own education and ability to maintain work-life balance despite the challenges of a demanding training program.